Partners

ENS Group is one of Indiana’s only Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Enterprise Systems. Only a select few Microsoft Certified Partner's are ever accepted into the Gold Certified program. In order to be recognized with this distinction, a Microsoft Certified Partner must have demonstrated the ability to deploy complex Windows 2000, Exchange, and Active Directory systems. Each Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Enterprise Systems must maintain a minimum of five Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs), certified on the latest Microsoft operating system. Each MSCE must pass a series of difficult tests in order to obtain this certification.

In exchange for this commitment, Microsoft provides extensive support and training opportunities to ENS on leading edge technologies. This means that if you engage ENS Group to provide your technology consulting services, we will be well acquainted with the latest deployable Microsoft products.

So, when you are choosing between ENS and others, ask about the professionals that make up the business. Ask about the designations earned, and how they are earned. Then, hire the professionals at ENS. We understand the technology your want to deploy. We are Gold!

The Difference is Everything

Many times we are asked the difference between the Microsoft Certified Partner and the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Both designations are a part of the Microsoft Certified Program, which is designed to reward those companies who have made a commitment to the Microsoft product line. In return for this commitment, Microsoft provides a limited amount of support and training opportunities.

The Microsoft Certified Partner

In order to become a Microsoft Certified Partner, the lower of the two designations, a company need only have two individuals certified as Microsoft Certified Professionals. This means the company can have two employees who have done as little as pass the Implementing and Supporting Windows 98 exam and the company may be designated a Microsoft Certified Partner. Before hiring a company advertising themselves as a ‘Microsoft Certified Partner’ to work on your network, you may want to ask them exactly what they did to earn their designation. If you don’t, you may find they have no one trained in the network operating system you want them to support.

The Requirements for Microsoft Gold Certification
	Points to consider when selecting a Microsoft Partner	Microsoft Gold Certified	Microsoft Certified
	References Checked by Microsoft	Yes	No
	Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) required on staff	Yes	No
	Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Certification Required	Yes	No
	Demonstrated & verified experience in large Active Directory Deployments	Yes	No
	Demonstrated & verified experience in large Microsoft Exchange server deployments	Yes	No
	Microsoft Exams Required	35 (minimum)	2
	Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers	5 (minimum)	0
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